UP 3985

[NS3445]

With all the excitement and media attention focused on the 4014, I am curious about the future of the 3985 Challenger. I have not been able to find any information so far. Does anyone know for sure?

[Firelock76]

I beleive this was addressed in another thread several weeks ago.  In a nutshell, UP hasn't abandoned 3985, it's in the shop being overhauled at this time and will return in a year or so.

[ndbprr]

So if a restored operating engine is going to take over a year to run I think 4014 is going to take a lot longer than most railfans think it will. Some of us aren't going to be around if and when it does.

[Firelock76]

As I understand it the target date for 4014 returning to operation is 2019 in time for the 150th anniversary of the Golden Spike.

4014's coming but it won't be right away.

[ndbprr]

When I was 12 we stopped in Cheyene and walked to the roundhouse loaded with steam. I particularly remember how big the front of the 4-12-2 was they were working on. Fast forward to the early 90s when coming back from a ski trip. The roundhouse was down to two stalls and the doors on 3985 were wired to the back of the tender because it was too long to fit. Where they are going to work on 4014 is beyond me and still maintain and store the other two.

[Leo_Ames]

The roundhouse is seven stalls, not two. A fraction of what it once was (48 stalls, if I'm not mistaken) but plenty big for their purposes.

I imagine they'd love to have all those stalls for indoor storage of the now uncovered roundhouse leads that are full of stored equipment, but it means a fraction of the maintenance and heating cost and probably a good bit less in taxes. They spent a fortune 20 years ago just refurbishing what they had.

A much larger structure would've meant a much more expensive refurbishment program or stretching the dollars with a cheaper upgrade plan to cover the entire structure. So I imagine being down to seven stalls was a blessing in disguise and partly responsible for what we have still being in existence today. 

They also have a shop building with seven stalls with four of those having tracks adjacent to the roundhouse that's also dedicated to the heritage program. So they have the space to do this. 

[Firelock76]

If I remember correctly, the late lamented "Locomotive and Railway Preservation"  magazine had an article in the early '90s concerning UP's steam facilities and shops.  Darn near a "Lexus showroom" is how they described it.  The photos looked very impressive as well.

Anyone else miss "Eleanor P."  as much as I do?

[Paul of Covington]

Firelock76

Anyone else miss "Eleanor P."  as much as I do?

 

   I do, too.   Their articles went into a lot of detail.

[erikem]

Paul of Covington

Firelock76

Anyone else miss "Eleanor P."  as much as I do?

 

   I do, too.   Their articles went into a lot of detail.

I do as well. Picked up my first issue in 1996 noting an article on OERM, flipped through the pages and saw yours truly in one of the pics...

IIRC, the mag was edited by Paul Hammond who was a pretty sharp fellow despite his nickname.

- Erik

[BARFlyer]

My guess is that UP5511 will be stored somewhere or Donated ( hopefully undercover display), making room for UP4014 and restoration. Can only hope the Challenger gets repaired, but I see the 4014 moving under steam before that happens...just from a PR perspective